077 — Cancer Immunotherapy

The newest and most promising therapies for challenging cancers are adopting molecular-biology strategies. Brain tumors are especially problematic because of their location impedes patient function and presents formidable barriers to surgical treatments. But new molecular approaches show promise. A series of new techniques from viruses genetically trained to attack the tumor, to genetic modifications of immune cells, to new types of monoclonal antibodies represent a few of the new tricks researchers are now deploying in the fight against these deadly conditions. Dr. Duane Mitchell is a Professor at the University of Florida. He is a neurosurgeon that is discovering and refining the leading edge of next generation therapies. In today’s podcast, he shares his expertise in explaining the new types of technologies and the potential promise they may bring.

Fortunate timing (for me) on your colonoscopy PSA. I’m 50 and going in for my first colonoscopy this Monday.

Yes, I was starting to freak out about the prep and gallons of laxative and missed work. You put my mind at ease.

My grandfather that was born on a small island in Greece during the American Civil War died of colon cancer in the 1940s. My dad died of cancer 28 years ago, but he was one of the guys in the 1950s who had to stand and watch the above-ground nuclear tests in Nevada. Then when they went underground with the tests he assayed and analyzed the soils. In my mind he’s statistical noise in terms of family cancer history.

Communication About Innovation

The safe and powerful technologies of genetic engineering have had tremendous impacts in agriculture and medicine. However, future innovation and deployment of beneficial technologies are slowed by a lack of understanding. The point of this podcast is to help connect the public to current science and technology, and let scientists tell the stories of how science can help our farmers, industrialized world consumers, the environment, and the Developing World. The hope is that this resource can entertain and explain how new tools can improve food security, reduce poverty, and improve agricultural and medical practices.

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Disclaimer

The content of the website and podcasts are the personal views of Kevin M. Folta and his guests, and may not represent the positions of the University of Florida or the Horticultural Sciences Department, including their employees, faculty and students.